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Position Summary
The YMCA of Kingston & Ulster County is seeking dynamic, engaging, adaptable, and community-minded Group Fitness and Specialty Instructors to join our Health & Wellness team. We welcome instructors from a wide range of movement, fitness, and wellness backgrounds. This includes traditional group fitness as well as instructors with specialized certifications or training that qualify them to lead a particular class, modality, or program. Our instructors create welcoming, engaging environments where participants of different backgrounds and abilities can move, learn, connect, and feel successful. Strong candidates can read the room, adjust when needed, bring positive energy without losing professionalism, and make participants feel both challenged and supported. This position reports directly to the Director of Health & Wellness.
Essential Responsibilities
- Plan and lead safe, engaging, and effective classes appropriate to the assigned format.
- Bring energy and presence to instruction while adapting pace, approach, and delivery to the participants in the room.
- Provide clear instruction, demonstrations, progressions, regressions, and modifications for varying fitness levels and abilities.
- Welcome participants and foster a positive sense of connection and belonging.
- Build authentic relationships with participants and support their broader health and wellness goals within professional scope of practice.
- Arrive prepared and on time and appropriately set up and restore program spaces before and after class.
- Maintain accurate attendance and other required program records.
- Properly use, store, and care for YMCA equipment.
- Follow YMCA policies, emergency procedures, and health and safety protocols.
- Recognize and promptly report safety concerns, hazards, damaged equipment, incidents, policy concerns, or other situations that may affect the safety or wellbeing of members, participants, staff, or the broader YMCA community.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies and complete required accident/incident documentation.
- Complete required YMCA staff, safety, and abuse-prevention trainings.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, department initiatives, and community events as appropriate.
- Maintain applicable certifications and remain current within the instructor's area of practice.
- Support the YMCA's mission and contribute to a culture of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, inclusion, and belonging.
Qualifications
Candidates must hold a current recognized certification, credential, or specialized training appropriate to the class or program they will teach.
This may include:
- National Group Fitness certification
- Yoga, Pilates, cycling, strength, dance, mind-body, functional fitness, or other modality-specific certification
- Specialty health or wellness credentials
- Other relevant professional education or training appropriate to the proposed program A general Group Fitness certification is not required for every specialty class when a candidate holds appropriate credentials and training specific to that modality.
Additionally:
- Current CPR/AED and First Aid certification required.
- Previous teaching or facilitation experience preferred.
- Ability to provide appropriate modifications for different abilities and fitness levels.
- Ability to engage a group, communicate clearly, read participant needs, and adapt instruction in real time.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Reliability, professionalism, adaptability, and a collaborative approach.
Additional Opportunities
We are particularly interested in instructors who bring diverse skills, certifications, and interests to the department. Our Health & Wellness work extends beyond the traditional group fitness schedule and includes specialty programming, small-group experiences, community health initiatives, and evidence-based programs. Instructors interested in additional training or facilitating community health programs as opportunities arise are encouraged to apply.
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